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Tethered vehicle control and tracking system

a tracking system and vehicle control technology, applied in the direction of electric generator control, navigation instruments, instruments, etc., can solve the problems of increasing the cost of the system, and affecting the safety of the system

Inactive Publication Date: 2014-12-30
NASA
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a kite system for generating power. The system includes a kite and two lines connected to it. The system also includes two powered winding members that reel in the lines if actuated, and the lines generate power if tension is applied to them by the kite. The system also includes a device to determine the kite's position relative to a ground surface, and a controller that uses fuzzy logic to control the movements of the winding members and the kite to avoid the ground. The system can generate power as the lines are let out, and the kite can fly in a crosswind trajectory while the lines are let out. The method of controlling the kite involves using a sensor to determine the kite's position, and a fuzzy logic control method to categorize the position and produce control outputs to keep the kite within allowable positions. The technical effects of this invention include improved efficiency and control of kite power generation.

Problems solved by technology

Since the kite (which may resemble a glider aircraft) and its payload are relatively expensive, it is necessary to develop a sufficiently reliable control system to prevent crash landings.
These components further increase the cost of the system.
However, known kite control systems suffer from various drawbacks.

Method used

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Embodiment Construction

[0046]For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,”“lower,”“right,”“left,”“rear.”“front,”“vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0047]AWE systems are normally more effective if the kite is flown in a high-speed crosswind trajectory. A crosswind trajectory increases the tension on the lines, thereby providing for power generati...

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Abstract

A kite system includes a kite and a ground station. The ground station includes a sensor that can be utilized to determine an angular position and velocity of the kite relative to the ground station. A controller utilizes a fuzzy logic control system to autonomously fly the kite. The system may include a ground station having powered winding units that generate power as the lines to the kite are unreeled. The control system may be configured to fly the kite in a crosswind trajectory to increase line tension for power generation. The sensors for determining the position of the kite are preferably ground-based.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION[0001]This patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 709,187, filed on Oct. 3, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]The invention described herein was made in part by an employee of the United States Government and may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefore.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Airborne wind energy (AWE) generally refers to producing energy from wind using a tethered air vehicle (i.e. a kite). A system of this type has a significant advantage over ground based wind turbines because it can take advantage of higher altitude winds which are faster and more reliable than surface level winds. Two known methods of implementing an AWE syst...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): B64C19/00F03D7/00
CPCB64C19/00F03D7/00G05D1/105B64C31/06F03D5/00F03D9/002F05B2270/707F03D5/06Y02E10/70G05D1/0866F03D9/25Y02E10/72G05D1/08
Inventor NORTH, DAVID D.AULL, MARK J.
Owner NASA
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